A Brief Introduction to Data Analytics & Big Data

A primer for students who are new to the big data revolution.

How can you identify trends in disparate data streams, make predictions, and ideally position your organization? Data analytics is the key to uncovering big data insights and making informed decisions to drive success in any industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Analytics

Data analytics is the process of transforming vast amounts of raw data into constructive, actionable information.

To derive insights from large amounts of data, a data analyst must store, manage, sort, structure, and mine the data using highly sophisticated tools. The analyst can then apply refined data analysis to discover trends and influence business decisions.

Big data is used to describe a vast quantity of data that is so large that it becomes too difficult to manage using traditional technologies. According to Gartner, big data is defined using the three Vs:

Volume: The vast amount of data available, which leads to storage and management issues.

Velocity: How fast data is being produced and aggregated and how fast the data must be processed to meet demand.

Variety: The number of types and sources of data, which can be structured and unstructured and can come from virtually anywhere.

Just as the volume of big data keeps growing, so do the sources. From commercial transactions to social media posts, personal data to weather patterns, nearly all data today is being tracked and recorded. It is up to data analysts to uncover the real potential.

On average, 1.8 zetabytes of information are created globally in a year, and that amount is expected to double annually. This volume of data is the equivalent of 200 billion two-hour HD movies, which would take one person 47 million years to watch, according to TechAmerica.

Great strides have been made in the gathering, storage, and security of big data, but the real opportunity is in the data analysis.

Its application is virtually limitless, and will shape the world we live in, from the way we interact on a personal level to how businesses and governments evolve. The increased use of big data in virtually every sector has created a talent gap for data analysts.

The 25 percent discount will be applied to out-of-state tuition for most programs. The tuition discount will not be applied to the following graduate programs and related courses: Master of Business Administration; Master of Science in data analytics; Master of Science in digital forensics and cyber investigation; Master of Science in cybersecurity management and policy; Master of Science in cybersecurity technology; graduate certificates in cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, and foundations in business analytics; and all doctoral programs and specializations.

The tuition for students who meet the criteria for Maryland residency will be the applicable in-state rate. Tuition for active-duty military, members of the Selected Reserves, National Guard, and the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the spouses and dependents of these student groups will be the applicable military rate. If you are a student using Post 9/11 benefits, please contact an advisor at 800-939-UMUC to determine if you can apply both benefits.

All students are required to pay tuition for all courses in which they are enrolled. Tuition rates are subject to the approval of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. They may be changed, or other charges may be included, as a result of the Board of Regents decisions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this or any other university publication, the university reserves the right to make changes in tuition, fees and other charges at any time such changes are deemed necessary by the university and the USM Board of Regents.

The Board of Regents has authorized the university to charge a student's delinquent account for all collection costs incurred by the university. The normal collection fee is 17 percent plus attorney and/or court costs. The service charge for a dishonored check is $30. Requests for services (for example, transcripts, diplomas, registration) will be denied until all debts are paid.

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Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC

UCSP 615 | 0 Credits

(Required within the first 6 credits of graduate study for all new graduate students, except MBA students). An overview of the skills needed for academic and professional success. Focus is on enhancing communication and critical thinking skills. Assignments provide familiarity with tools such as social media and library and information resources. APA style and resources are also addressed.